Subhash K Jha (DNA; July 27, 2017)

When Anees Bazmee began directing Mubarakan, the film was to star Sonakshi Sinha opposite Arjun Kapoor. But Sonakshi opted out leaving the project short of a leading lady.

Now that the film is complete and about to release, Anees is not at all bitter about the past. “This is not the first time I faced a casting crisis. Every time I’ve been thrown into a last-minute panic situation, the replacement actor has proved to be the ideal choice. So it is this time too. Ileana D’Cruz, who came in Sonakshi’s place is so suited for the role that I wonder now why we thought of anyone else. She has many years of experience in South Indian films. She has brought so much to the film,” says Anees.

Talking about the other leading lady in Mubarakan, Anees’ voice lights up. “Athiya’s father, Suniel Shetty, is my friend and I have seen her as a child running around their house. She has so much potential. Agreed, her debut in Hero was not favourable, but a film not doing well can be attributed to many factors. I believe Athiya has a long way to go,” he adds.

It is rare to come across a multi-starrer in present times. Mubarakan is that. But to Anees, there are three superstars in Mubarakan. “The script, the script and the script,” he says.